Engine-starting device.



C. F. KETTERING 6! W. A. CHRYSTT Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

ENGINE STARTING DEVICE.

4 SHEETSSHET 1.

APPLICATION FILED JULY I4. I913. 1,241,990.

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APPLICATION FILED JULY 14. 19m.

1,241,990. Patented Ot. 2.1917.

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CHARLES F. KETTERING AND WILLIAM A. CHRYST, F DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOB/S TO THE DAYTON ENGINEERING LABORATORIES 00., A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

ENGINE -STARIIN G DEVICE.

Application filed July 14, 1918. Serial No. 778,934.

7 '0 all whom it may concern Be it known fihatW,CHARLES F. Kn'rrnR- mo and WILLIAM A. GHnYs'r, citizens of the United States of America, residing at Dayton, county of Montgomery, and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Im ovements in Engine-Starting Devices, o? 'hichthe'following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to a system of devices adapted for supplyin power to start an engine, and the engine w en thus started, is arranged to store up power for similar future starting operations, and this same power source may then be used to supply current for the ignition system of the engine, and for any other purposes which may be desired.

That is, in the articular form hereinafter described as *em odying my invention, I have provided an] automatic starting system, which is particularly ada ted for use in connection withmotor vehic es, wherein an enginc forms the power plant, or a part of the power-plant, so as to eliminate the manual starting of the engine, and to facilitate the automatic starting thereof.

While these inventions are primarily shown and described as being preferably adapted to be employed in connection with automobiles or motor vehicles, they may be readily combined with any type of power driven apparatus or machines, wherein it is necessary to apply an initial starting power thereto, in nrden to bring the normal actunting or driving power'of the apparatus or machine into action.

It is among the general objects of these inventions to produce novel combinations of mechanisms, and to simplify the structure and assembling thereof and make their operation more efiicient for the various purposes and requirements which they are adapted to fulfil.

'ln accomplishing the above objects, the present invention provides'novel means for controllin the different units of the system in a simple and convenient manner,requiring a minimum amount of attention and skill on the part of the operator.

As has been heretofore stated, thepresent invention has for one of its objects, to simplify the construction and assembly of the Specification of Letters Patent.

various elements and combination of elements, which make up the present invention, and tofurther simplify and facilitate the applicationof the system, as a whole, to the apparatusior vehicles, with which it may be combined, I

be above is accomplished in 7 part by employing'a portion of the name-or c assis of the -apparatus' or vehicle, to which this system is applied, as one side of the various electric circuits includedin the system, thus eliminating certain of the wire circuit connections usually employed in systems of this type.

This, of course, results in the reduction of the necessarywiring, and permits the accomplishment of functions necessary to a system of the present type, in a greatly simplified manner.

Up to the time of the present invention, practically all systems embodying starting devices of the electrical type, such as for instance, as are included in the applications which eventuated into Patents 1,171,055, dated February 8, 1916 and 1,150'523, dated August 17,1915, and the co-pending application filed September 19, 1912, Serial No. 721,237; comprised in general a source of current, for instance, an accumulator or storage battery, and'a motor and a generator, either combined in a single unit or embodied in separate and independent units. The above mentioned units generally have electrical connections between the electric machine, or machines, and the storage battery, and mechanical connections between the said machine or machines, and the engine, together with controlling mechanism which comprises a switch unit for selecting the electrical connections and any suitable means for controlling the mechanical connections.

Now, it is one of the primary objects of the present invention to simplify this controlling mechanism,'and to eliminate certain of the units of the system, by so constructing, arranging and combining other elements thereof, which are already employed to perform 'ven functions, thatthey will be capable 0 operation, to perform not only their own original functions, but also the functions of the eliminated elements or mechanisms.

An instance of one manner in which the above named objects may be accomplished in the present invention is by the elimination of the independent switch unit which is adapted to control the connections between the accumulator and the electric machine. This elimination of the switch is permissible by the novel construction and arran ement of the commutator brushes employe in the electric machine and the means or operating said commutator brushes to accomplish the various functions which were formerly accomplished by the independent switch unit. I

The novel arrangement and combination of the brush unit does not interfere with the original and re ular functionshof the brushes, but simp y permits them to per form not only their own function, but the additional functions of the switch.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a vdynamo-electric-machine, having a plurality of sets of independent field and armature windings, the respective sets of armature windings having independent commutators and sets of commutator brushes, these commutator brushes being so combined with controlling mechanism that the selection vof the set of windings to be operatively connected, may be controlled by the position of the brushes, which is determined by the operation of a controlling mechanism.

Thus, it is possible to have a dynamoelectric-machine embodying separate motor and generator field and armature windings which are connected in turn with independent commutators, and commutator brushes, in combination with controlling mechanism, which will normally maintain one set of commutator brushes in such position as to normally break the circuit connections between this set of field and armature windin s, and to establish a circuit through the 0 er set of armature and field windings, this controlling mechanism being preferably so arranged as to operate the displaced brush or brushes, to bring the same into electrical connection with their own commutator, and to concurrently break the other electrical connection which is formed by the brush when in its normal position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electric machine having commutator brushes and brush-holders automatically movable to compensate for inaccurate associated structures, such as the uneven surfaces of the commutator, and capable of another operation to make or break certain electrical connection between the battery and the electric machine.

In the said Patent 1,150,523 it is set forth electric machine, in order to facilitate the shifting of the connections between the said machine and the engine, so as to connect the machine to the engine for starting purposes.

As an illustration of one manner in which this object may be accomplished, the above application and patents set forth the use of a supplemental circuit between the electric machine and the accumulator, of such resistance that only a small amount of current, at a relatively low voltage, would pass from the accumulator to the dynamo-electric-machine. This reduced flow of current from the battery to the electric machine was intended to effect an initial movement of the machine as a motor, and in this we to facilitatethe shifting of the connections be tween the engine and the motor.

Another object of the present invention is to secure this preliminary movement of the electric machine. by the operation of a movable commutator brush, revious to the normalstarting operation 0 the machine. This preliminary movement may be secured without necessarily employing an independent circuit and also without requiring a separate and independent manual operation to secure the desired result.

One manner of accomplishing the above object is to include a circuit interrupter or cut-out relay in the circuit connections between the generator and the accumulator, its primary functions being to automatically prevent the current flowing back from the battery to the electric machine, at such times as the voltage across said machine is less than the voltage across the terminals of the battery, and to provide mechanism, whereby said cut-out relay or interrupter may be closed automatically and previously to the ogeration of the controlling mechanism, for e ecting the actual starting of the engine.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein preferred forms of the present invention are clearly illustrated.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view 0 the chassis of an automobile, showing one manner of applying the present invention to vehicles of this type.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing, I

on an enlarged scale, the engine and e1'ec trical machine, with the mechanical connections for coupling the engine and electric machine together. This view also shows a modified form of the main controlling mechanism.,

Fig; 3 is .a partly diagrammatic and partly structural view of one form of the present invention, the structure of the vehicle and its chassis being eliminated, except for one side frame, forthe sake of clearness.

Fig. 4 is a.;view in side elevation of one type of an electric machine which may be advantageously embodied in the present invention, this view also disclosing partly in dotted lines, a preferred form of the controlling mechanlsm.

Fig. 5 is a view in end elevation of the electric machine shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the movable commutator brush and holder, together with their associated parts.

' Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of one of the commutator brushes.

'Fig. '8 is a modified form of the structure shown "in Fig. 4.

F Fig. 8* is a fragmentary end elevation of ig. 8. V 1 v Figs. 9 and 10 are views, partly diagrammatic and partly structural of modified forms of the invention disclosed inLFigs. 1

to 5 inclusive.

Referring to the drawings, and more espe cially to Figs'l to 7 inclusive, it will be noted that there is disclosed an'auxiliary system for motor vehicles, which is adapted to supply power tostart the engine of the vehicle, and. at thesame time to provide means whereby, into operation, power will .be stored up to supply current for the lighting and ignition systems, as well as for any other purposes which may be'desired, as for instance, for si naling.

Inasmuch as the present invention is preferably adapted to be applied to motor vehi cles or.other types of vehicles, it will be obvious that the system should be as simple as possible, and at the same time, that the elements thereof should be so constructed and arranged as to give the greatest ossible el'ficiency with the least possible liability of excessive wear'or tear and breakage.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 20 designates the side frames of the chassis, while the numeral 21' indicates the engine, provided with the fly-wheel 22, having gear teeth 23 cut on its periphery. The type of chassis and engine construction shown in the present instance is similar to'that manufactured and placed on the market'by, the Cadillac Motor Car Company, and comprises the usual four cylinder four cycle engine, adapted to drive through a power transmission contained in the case 26, the various elements of this transmission being controlled by means of a lever 28, which is movable to secure the several different speeds forward, and the reverse speed, in the ordinary manner.

The clynamo-electric-machine, which may be termed the prime mover of the present invention, is designated by the numeral 30, and is adapted to be driven as a generator, during the normal operation of the engine, by means of the timing gears 31 and shaft 32, as is clearly shown in Fig. 2.

when the engine is brought The location and arrangement of the dynamo-electric-machine is substantially the same as shown in the said Patent 1,150,523 and the co-pending application filed September 19, 1912, Serial No. 721,237, but it will be understood that this unit may be located on any part of the machine, the only restriction bein that it be in such a position that it will efficiently perform the desired and intended functions.

The battery 34 is preferably contained in a box or casing 35, located on the running board of the machine, or in any other convenient place. In the present type of system, there are no mechanical connections between the battery and an of the other elements of the machine, ot er than the wire connections, and it will therefore be apparent that the location of the battery box and battery may be made with regard to convenience only.

'In practically all types of motor vehicles now in service, the side frames of the chassis are made of steel or alloy metals, which are of low electrical resistance, and which make a practicable ground mass. In view of this fact, the present invention contemplates what may be termed a single wire system, that is, there will be a single wire running from the battery to the electric machine, there making whatever connections may be necessary with different branch wires to conduct current from or to the generator and motor, and to supply current for lighting, ignition andothcr systems. This wire will constitute one side of the main circuit, while the other side of the main and the various branch wire circuits are made through the frame of the machine, which will be termed hereinafter, the mass or ground side of the circuits.

In Fig. 3, there is illustrated an electric machine of what may be termed the dymc mo-electric-machine type, which may have its field and armature windings so arranged and constructed that it may be operated as a generator for the purpose of charging the accumulator or providing current for ignition or lighting purposes, and again, as a motor for startin purposes.

Referring particularly to F igs. 1 and 3, one terminal 41 of the battery 34, is connected to the frame 20 of the chassis, while the other terminal of the battery leads through the wire 45, directly to the terminal 43, which is secured to but insulated from the dynamo-electric-machinc. This wire 45 constitutes what may be termed the common connection between both the motor and generator windings of the electric machine and the storage battery.

The lighting system for the automobile may have a wire 46, connected to the wire 45, the various lamps being connected thereto in series parallel, the opposite side of each lamp circuit being connected in turn to the ground or mass connection 20.

A similar arrangement may be applied to the ignition system, which consists of a Wire 47, connected to the wire 45, at the terminal post 43, and leading to the usual induction coil 49, and timer 50, the opposite side of said ignition system being connected to the frame of the chassis, by any suitable connection 53. This construction not only reduces the cost of applying the system to the vehicle', but it also greatly simplifies and renders more efi'icient the entire system.

In all electrical systems where there are various wire connections, it is extremely desirable to eliminate as many soldered joints, or connections, between the different wires, as is possible, and in the present case, by having the terminal 43 so arranged as to receive not only the wire 45, but also the wire 47, it will be apparent that certain of what would otherwisebe soldered connections, have been eliminated, and if desired, other wires such as 46 can be connected at this terminal 43.

In the electric machine disclosed in Figs. 3, 4: and 5, the armature and fields are so wound as to constitute what is known in the trade as a series wound motor, and a shunt wound generator, for the reason stated hereinafter.

Referring to the various diagrammatic figures, it will be noted that the wire 45, which is connected to one terminal of the battery 34, leads to a terminal 43, connected with the frame of the dynamo-electric-machine. This terminal is insulated from the frame in any suitable manner, as by washers 43 and the sleeve 43". The opposite end of the terminal 43 is connected with one end 94 of the heavy or series motor winding 95', and also has a connection with the comparatively high resistance wire 52, which leads to the contact plate 5'3, of the cut-out relay 5- which is included in the generator circuit.

It will be appreciated that when the machine is used as a motor for starting purposes, a high torque effect is required, in or der to efliciently crank or turn over the englue, and in the present instance, this high torque effect is secured by employing a series motor having windings capable of conducting a comparatively high amperage at a relatively 'low voltage.

On the other hand, it is equally desirable that the generator which charges the storage battery, should supply current of such an amperage and voltage as will be proper for the battery to receive, and inasmuch as the proper amperage for charging the battery is much lower than the amperage which the battery discharges to the motor for starting purposes, the generator field and armature windings and certain of their circuit connections are of a relatively lower electrical conductive capacity than the motor windings and their connections.

In order that the generator may be operated at a comparatively low speed, and at the same time commence to charge the storage batter as quickly as possible, after it has starte to operate, a shunt wound type of machine is employed.

Referring to Fig. 3, the series winding 95 of the motor is connected at oneend to the terminal 43, and at the other erid with the commutator brush 61', the opposite commutator brush 62 being carried by the pivoted brush-holder 63, which is of conductive material, and is rounded by bein secured to the generator mine, the groun' connection shown in the various figures, being simply illustrated for the sake of clcarness.

In Fig. 3, the brush-holder 63 is shown diagrammatically, but its more exact shape for practical mechanical construction is shown in Figs. 4 and 5, with details as per Figs. 6 and 7.

Referring to said figures, it will be seen that the movable brush-holder 63 is of right angle construction, one arm 63 carrying the brush 62, while the opposite arm 63 is provided at its extremity with a roller 64, against which operates the cam surface 65, formed on' the angle lever 65. lever is pivotally mounted on the interior of the generator frame, as at 66, and is connected with the rod 67, which extends rearwardly and may be secured in any suitable manner to the bracket of a magnetic latch mechanism 68. See Fig. 1.

The construction and arrangement of this latch mechanism is substantially the same as that employed in the application which eventuated into Patent 1,150,523, and there fore reference may 'be made to this application for a more detailed description and illustration of the elements comprising this structure.

In general, the magnetic latch mechanism comprises a bracket and armature pivotally connected with the rod 67 and carries a magnet coil. This bracket, coil and armature are normally loosely mounted on the clutch shaft 69. This coil and armature construction is so arranged that when current is passed through the coil, the armature will be brought into position to engage with a projection or arm which is rigidly fastened to the clutch shaft, thus efiectually couplin the magnetic latch unit and consequent y the shaft 67 with the clutch shaft 69 and pedal 90, it of course being understood that this' rigid arm will be normally in such a position as to oscillate with the movement of the clutch shaft 69, free from engagement with the armature of the magnet.

This angle Now, as soon as the magnetic latch has been operated and the clutch pedal is depressed, the rod 67, which is connected with the magnetic latch, will be drawn rearwardly and the shiftable gearing 91 will be drawn into eninesl'nnent with the armature pinion 92 and the toothed portion 23 of the fly-wheel. This rearward movement of the rod 67 will also actuate the cam lever 65, so as to permit the spring 105 to initially move the commutator brush out of engage-,

ment with the contact plate 80, and thus break the generator or charging circuit, and next to engage with the motor commutator and thus complete the motor circuit.

The sequence of the above mentioned operations will be as follows:

The gearing 91 will be shifted into engagement with the armature 92, and the toothed portion of the fly-wheel, previous to the time that the brush-holder 63 is moved away from contact plate 80 and the contacting of the movable motor brush with the motor commutator will not take place until after the gearing 91 is properly meshed with the armature pinion and the fly-wheel.

In certain instances, it may not be desirable to employ the clutch pedal as the main operating element, and in this case, a construction similar to that shown in Fig. 2, may be employed, wherein the shaft 69 will carry an operating pedal 69", which will, in this type of construction, constitute the main operating member for the startingcsystem.

This shaft 69 has fastened upon it a bell crank lever 69, which is directly connected with the shifting rod 67. Thus, upon pressing the operating pedal 69", the rod 67 is directly and positively operated to shift the starting gears and to change the electrical connections as above stated, without the intervention of the magnetic latch arrangement just referred to. But, if desired, this magnetic latch arrangement may be utilized in connection with the pedal 69", so that the pedal only operates the rod 67 when the magnetic latch is operated in the manner described in the aforesaid application.

It will, of course, be understood that when this separate operatin pedal (39' is utilized for the purpose of shifting the rod 67, the clutch pedal 90 is merely the ordinary clutch pedal for shifting the clutch connection between the engine and the driving gear of the vehicle or between the engine and the transmission, in the ordinary manner. The first of these forms is shown in Fig. 1, with the clutch pedal for shifting the starting gears; and the other form is shown in Fig. 2, where the separate operating pedal 69' is used for shifting the starting gears, and the clutch pedal 90, performs its ordinary function as a clutch pedal.

In order to facilitate the assembling of the dynamo-electric-machine and its associated parts, the movable brush element is mounted upon a rod or bar 101, see Figs. 5 and 6, which extends transversely across the front of the machine. This rod is made with an extension 101 so that the elements which are carried on the rod may be assenr bled thereon, previous to the placing of the rod in the frame of the machine.

The brush-holder itself comprises the tubular body portion 102, through which the above mentioned rod 101 passes. It will be apparent that the locatin of the brush 62 1n its correct position, re ative to the commutator, forms an important feature, inasmuch as-if the brush is not located so that the are of the contacting face corresponds to the are of the commutator, only a portion of the brush will be in con tact with the commutator.

This leads to various objections, which tend to reduce the efiiciency of the machine. The manner of locating this brush element, relative to the commutator, comprises a col lar 103, which may be secured on the rod 101, in any suitable position, by simply ti htening the set screw 104. This collar,

a ter it is adjusted to properly position the brush, acts as an abutment against which the end face of the brush-holder is pressed, by means of the sp'rin 105, which is mountedbetween the end 0 the brush-holder and the second collar 103.

This spring not only performs the function of maintaining the brush-holder in its correct lateral position, but one end of this spiral spring is connected with the brushholder, and the other end to the collar 103, as shown in Fig. 6, so that normally, the spring tends to hold the brush in contact with its commutator, and at the same time, provides a resilient connection so that any wear of either the brush or commutator bars will be compensated for by the action of this spring, in drawing the brush into contact with the commutator.

The cam lever is shown in Fig. 4, in its normal position of charging or of rest; that is, the movable brush is in such position that it will normally be out of engagement with its commutator. Upon movement of the main operating pedal 90, the rod 67 moves to the right in Fig. 4 so that the spring 1.05 will pull the commutator brush downward into engagement with the commutator.

\Vhen the brush-holder is held in its normal upward position, a portion of the holder which is ad acent to the brush, will lie in engagement with the contact plate or element 80, and, as will appear hereinafter, the brush-holder itself will form a part of the generator circuit. This contact element 80 is mounted in any suitable and insulated manner upon the casing and is connected by any suitable lead wire, such as 80, (F g. 3) to the brush 79.

Corresponding to the field windings of the machine, the armature-is of the double wound type, having heavy windings for motor work, and fine windings which are used when the machine is operating as a generator. These windings are connected to separate and independent commutators, it of course being understood that the motor commutator is larger than the generator commutator, and capable of passing or conducting a greater amount of current.

It'i's thought operation of the system, in connection with the wiring diagram, will clea rly br ng out not only the structure of the various elements, but also the functions of each element separately, and in combination with certain of the cooperating elements.

For instance, in Fig. 3, it will be supposed that the system is in position, wherein the engine of the vehicle is at rest. Now, in order to start the engine, it is, of course, necessary to mechanically connect the motor and the flywheel or some other equivalent part of the engine together, and it will also be understood that the series windings of the motor must be brought into electrical connections with the battery.

In systems of the type wherein the mechanical connections between the motor and the engine comprise a shiftable gearing, it is advisable that some means he provided so that a supplemental or initial movement may be im aarted either to the shiftable gearing itse f, or to the armature and its pinion, so that if the end faces of the gear teeth of the shiftable gearing happen to rest in alinement with the end faces of the teeth of the armature pinion, or fly-wheel, some means will be provided to move the cooperating gear wheels in such a manner that they will assume the proper position, for coupling purposes.

It will also be understood that because of the fact that the shiftable or coupling gearing will be thrown into engagement with the armature pinion, .during'this initial movement thereof, that the armature and its pinion should be operated at a comparatively slow speed, and with low torque effect.

One manner of securing this result is to so arrange the electrical connections between the battery and the generator windings of the machine that current can flow from the battery through said windings, and thus operate the machine as a motor, through the generator windings.

However, the generator circuit connections embody an eleme t k n as a cut-out relay, which normally constitutes an autothat a de crip ion of the matic switch, controlled by the voltageof the battery and the generator, that is, this switch or cut-out relay is so constructed and positioned that when the voltage across the battery terminals is greater than the voltage across the enerator brushes, the switch will automatica ly operate to break the generator circuit, thus preventin the battery from discharging back throug the generator windings.

It isthcreforenecessary, to provide some means for closing this automatic switch or cutting out the efl'ect of the same, at such times 'as the machine is to be operated as a motor, by use of the generator windings, as a preliminary to the actual starting operation.

In Fig. 3, this latter effect by depressi the push button 70, to close t e contact p ates 7 1 and 72, thus permitting a flow of current from the battery 34, through wire 45, to point 48, wire 75, through plates 71 and 72, wire 73, wire 74, through the shunt field? windings 76, to ground, and also through wire 74, across the generator brushes 7 8 and 79, contact plate 80, through the brusheholder 63 of the motor brush, to ground.

The closing of the circuits in the manner described above, will cause the machine to operate as a motor and initia'lly at a slow speed, and with a light torque eliect.

As soon as the push button has thus been depressed, the main operating member or clutc pedal 90, shown in Fig.1, is then depressed so that the shaft 6.9, Fig. 1, is rocked, and the rod 67 is moved in the direction of the arrow 85, Fig. 3. This will cause an enmeshment of the coupling gearing 91, with the armature gear wheel 92, and the toothed port-ion of the fly-wheel. At the same time, as shown in Fig. 4, the movement of the rod' 67 in the direction shown by the arrow, will allow the spring 105 to rock the brush-holder 63 downward, whereby the contact between the brushholder 63 and the plate 80 will be broken. This breaks the generator circuit and cuts out the initial movement of the armature, but not until after the coupling gearing has been brought into coupled position to connect the engine and motor together.

Continued movement of the rod 67 in the same direction will allow the spring 105 to move the brush 62 still farther downward into engagement or contact with the motor commutator 93. The following circuit connections will therefore be established: from the battery 34, through wire 45, wire 94, series winding 95, across the motor brushes 61 and 62, to the round connection established by the brush- .older 63. The operation of the machine as a motor, when t e coupling caring has been thrown into coupled position, will instantly tend to crank or turn maybe secured over the engine, thus having the same effect on the engine to bring the same into self operation, as the well known method of man ual cranking.

As soon as the engine begins to operate under its own power, the operator releases the pressurejrom the clutch pedal 90, and by any suitable arrangements of springs or similar devices, the rod 67, together with the coupling gearin 91 and the pivoted brushholder 63 will e returned to the position shown in liigs. 3 and 4.

Such an arrangement of spring device is shown. in Fig. 1, wherein the mechanism just back of the flywheel 22 is broken away to reveal the ordinary clutch spring 31", as likewise explained in the application, Serial Number 721,237, above referred to.

This spring 31' is the strong spring customarily 'used to force the engine clutch members into en aging position, and it is this spring whic opposes the downward pressure on the clutch pedal 90, and likewise restores the clutch pedal 90 to normal position.

Of course, if a separate operating member 69" is used, as ex lained with reference to Fig. 2, any suita le spring device can be similarly used to restore the pedal 69' to normal position as just explained.

Such a spring is not shown in the drawings,but it is of course obvious that it may be attached at any convenient place to operate as described.

However, if the operator maintains the main operating member in depressed position after the engine becomes self operating, a clutch mechanism similar to that shown in the application which cventnated into Patent 1,150,523, which is interposed between the gear wheels 91 and 91", will permit the gear wheel 91 to run free with the fly-wheel, independent of the wheel 91 and the armature.

By referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that the timing gears 31 of the engine are connected to the shaft 32, which in turn .has a roller or friction clutch connection with the armature shaft. This clutch connection may be of any suitable construction, such as is shown in said Patent 1,150,523 and the co-pending application filed September 19, 1912, Serial No. 721,237, and therefore, no detail showing or description thereof will be made. By means of this clutch arrangement, as soon as the engine is started and its speed increased, the clutch picks up the armature shaft so that the engine then drives the generator through the timing gears 31, these clutch connections and the ratios of gearing connections between the engine and the dynamoelectric-machine being as set forth in said application, to which reference may be had for more dotailed description.

As soon as the shiftable gearing has been moved out of engagement with the fly-wheel and armature pinion, the machine will be driven as a generator, by the operation of the timing gears, and as soon as the speed thereof is sufficiently increased, an out-put of required voltage will be generated and thus effect the charging of the storage battery.

Referring to Fig. 3, the circuit connections for the machine when operating as a generator, will be as 'ollows: from the generator brush 78, through wire 74, through the shunt field \vindin 76, to ground and through the branch wire 74:", through the fine winding 96 of the cut-out relay or interrupter, to the ground connection thereof with the generator frame. The other generator brush 79 is connected by wire 80 to contact plate 80 and thus to the brush-holder 63 which is grounded as at 113.

Now, as soon as the current has built up sufficiently to energize the core of the cutout relay, so as to attract the armature 97 to a position to close the contacts 98, the current will flow through the heavy winding 99, armature 97, contact points 98, contact plate 53, wire 52, to the common connection or wire 45, to the battery and across the battery to ground connection 41.

In Figs. 8 and 8, there is shown a slightly modified form of the electric machine and certain of the cooperating elements from that shown in Figs 4 and 5.

In Fig. 8, the operating mechanism for permitting the movable brush-holder 63 to contact with its commutator and the gear shifting mechanism, is shown in such a position that the brush-holder is in its downward position, thus breaking contact with the plate 80 and the coupling gearing 91 is enmeshed with the armature pinion 92 and the toothed portion 23 of the fly-wheel.

For the proper operation of these parts, the first thing which should occur is to have the shifting of the rod 67 brin the gear 91 in mesh with the pinion 92 o the armature. In Fig. 3 it has already been described how the pushing in of the push button causes the slow turning of the motor and of the armature pinion 92. This slow turning, of course, assists in the enmeshment of the gear 91 with the pinion 92, by preventing conflict of the teeth when the gear 91 is shifted into mesh with the teeth of the inion 92. Then, immediately thereafter, t is car wheel 91, in its lateral movement (to t e right in'Fig. 8) goes into mesh with the toothed portion 23 of the flywheel.

Similarly, if the parts are stopped so that the teeth of the gear wheel 91 rest in position to conflict with the teeth of the flywheel, this slow turning movement will move the teeth of the gear wheel 91 out of alinement, so that they can be brought into proper alinement to mesh with the toothed portion 23 of the fly-wheel.

Thus, this shifting of the rod 67 has now connected up the motor to the fly-wheel of the engine, ready for starting. But, during this time, it is necessary that the contact 80 should be closed by the brush-holder 63 pressing up against it, so as to complete the generator circuit to permit the machine to operate as a motor at this slow speed described, However, this maintaining the contactclosed is necessary only for such period of time as will make sure that the gear wheel 91 has properly started into mesh with the armature pinion 92 and the flywheel, caring. Of course, the contact 80 might e maintained closed until the gear wheel 91 had just started into engagement with the teeth 23 of the fly-wheel, but this may not be essential because it is only desired to give just enough starting movement to the motor pinion 92 and gear wheel 91 to make sure that the starting gears can be shifted without blocking of the teeth.

This momentar Y holding closed of the contact point 80 t refore takes place while the rod 67 is shifted slightly to the right in Fig. .8, and this does not allow the brushholder 63 to drop away from the contact 80, on account of the rounded face on the outer end of the arm 65. The initial position of this arm is shown in Fig. 4, wherein the brush is held against the contact 80. Then, as the rod 67 shifts to the right, there is a slight dwell of the cam arm against the roller 64, so as to hold the brush in contact with the plate 80. Then, a further movement of rod 67 causes the flattened portion 65 of the arm 65 to be brought opposite the roller 64. This then allows the brush-holder to drop, assisted by the sprin 105. L

Th s shifted position is shown in Fig. 8, where the brush-holder is moved down into contact with its armature. When the brush is thus in contact with its commutator, the motor circuit is now closed ready for startmg, the generator circuit having been broken by breaking the contact at the point 80.

The parts are now in position ready for starting the engine.

As soon as the engine does start, it will pick up speed and the clutch pedal is then released so as to shift the rod 67 backagain to its normal position shown in Fig. 4:, whereupon the starting gears are brought out of mesh and the brush-holder brought back to close the contact at the point 80, thus breaking the motor starting circuit and closing the generator circuit, so that the engine will now operate the electric machine as a generator, to charge the storage batteries.

Referring to Fig. 10 of the drawings, the electrical circuits and arrangements are similar to those heretofore described in connection with Fig. 3, with the exception that the push button circuit for securing the preliminary operation of the machine as a motor, at a slow initial speed, is eliminated and a new circuit arranged which bridgIes the contact points of the cut-out relay. n this figure, it will be seen that the wires 108 and 109 are connected directly with the con.- tact plates 53 and 97 of the cut-out relay, at one end, and with the contact plates 110 and 111 at their op osite end, respectively. The free ends of tlie plates 110 and 111 carry contact points and the outer plate 110 is of spring construction, normally tending to make contact with the inner plate 111. But plate 110 has a downward extension enga ed by an arm 112, carried by the shifting ro 67. This arm 112 holds the contact plates 110 and 111 apart. But when the rod 67 is shifted to the left in Fig. 10, for starting the engine, the contacts 110 and 111 are connected.

When this operation occurs, the flow of current will be as follows: from the battery 34:, through wire 45, wire 52, contact plate 53 of the cut-out relay, wire 108, contact plates 110 and 111, wire 109, and thence to the heavy winding 99 of the cut-out re lay 54, down through the shunt field 76 of the generator to ground; also through the wire 71, across the brushes 78 and 79, contact plate 80, and thence through the motor brush-holder 63, to the ground connection 113.

From the above description, it will appear that only a single movement is necessary to complete the starting operation of the dynamo-electric-machine. That is, the following functions will be accomplished by the single complete movement of the main operating member 69 shown in Fig. 2.

On the first movement of the rod 67, the projection or finger 112, carried by the rod will retreat from the contact plate 110, and permit the same to spring into engagement with the plate 111. This movement of the rod 67 will not effect the position of the brush-holder because of the delayed move ment of the brush-holder, caused by the dwell on its operating cam, as previously explained with reference to Figs. 4 and 8.

Upon a further movement of this rod 67, the gear connection between the armature pinion and the fly-wheel will first be established as already explained. And then, the still further movement of the rod 67 will allow the motor brush-holder 63 to move out of engagement with the plate 80 and into engagement with the motor commutator, thus breaking the generator circuit and establishing the motor circuit in Whereas, 'ifa separate operating member,

such as 69", shownin Fig'.-2, is=utilized,then this separate operating member hasno other function than that of operating the starting devices, and this member 69' could then be utilized in its preliminary movement to effect theslow initial movement reierred to. w

" 'In Fig. 9, there is illustrated a still further modified means for securing'the preliminary' operation of -the electric machine as a motor, prior to its-actual starting operation. In this. modified formfa mechanical posesflthe main operating member 69", see Fig. 2,'will be depressed'in such a manner as to draw the rod 67in the direction of means,such as the r0d120,'is slidably mounted on the rodf67', and soarranged 'thatthe lug 120 normally forces fsaid arm'120 into such positionthat its free'end lies: adjacent to but spacedapart from the'armature '97 tuate the arm 120 so as tomove t e armature of the cut-out relay. This rod isheld in its normal position against theftension of-the spring 120". The 'function of this spring is to draw thea'r'm'120'to the left, in Fig.

'10, as soon as the *rod'67, carrying-the lug 120*, is moved to the left.

A further modificationiillustrated in this view is the arrangement of the movable brush-holder, relative to the 'pair of contact plates which form a part of the generator circuit. In'this instance, the movable brush-holder 124: is insulated from the frame of the machine, and therefore does not form a part of the generator circuit at any time,

but is of course included in the motor circuit. Howeverfwhen this'switch is in its normal positiomit tends to break the motor circuit and to make the generator circuit, by closing the contact lates 128 and 129.

The flow of curren through the motor connections, for starting, in the form shown in Fi 9, will be as follows: from thebattery 34, t rough the wire 45, throu h the'vvire 94}, series winding 95, across t e brnsh62,

through the armature .tothebrushfil, and thence tothe frame of the machine, through the wire connection 125.

When the machine is operatingas a generator, the flow of current will be as follows: 1

from the armature, across the brush 79,

.throu h the wire 127, contact plates 128' and 129, trough the shunt. windm from'thew1re127, to the fine winding 96 of the cut-out relay, via wire 131.

Now, as soon as the relay builds up sufficiently to attract the armature 97,'the contact plate 53 will be engaged by the arma- 130,- and ture and thefcircuit closed through the wire 52, back to the battery, via wire 45, across the battery to the frame of: the machine'and thence back to the armature, via wire 134.

' The mechanical connection 120, which is adapted to be operated to close the cut-out relay is provided with an insulated head portion 121, which is so arranged that it w ll engage wlth the armature of the cut- "outrelay, under the effect of the spring 120" which becomes-effective as soon as the rod 67 is drawn-rearwardly.

It will of course be apparent that the movable motor brush must be insulated both from-the contact plates 129 and '128, and" from theoperating rod 67. l

= When a machine orsystem-of the type shown 1n F1 .9 is employed, the successive operations 0 the various elements or units will be as follows? 1 V Forinstance, when it isdesired to operate the' machine as a motor, for starting purthe arrow 85 and the" initial movement of this rod 67 will permit the sprin 120" to ac- 9701? the cut-out relay to close: the contact points 98. This will permita'flowof cur-'- rent :trom the battery,; through the generator windings to operate the armature at a -slow speed, as has been described heretofore.

' Upon 'afurther movement of the -rod.67, the shifting of the gearing 91 into engagementwith the armature pinion 92 and the 67, the brush-holder 124 will be pulled downw'ardly'by the spring 105 into engagement with the motor commutator and thus establish the motor circuit.

However, as soon as this brush-holder is drawn'downwardly, the contact plates 128 'and 129 will be separated by the resilient action of the plate 129, which is preferably made of spring material, the normal tendency thereof being to lie spaced a art from the contact plate'128, so as to bre the generator "circuit. It will be understood that when the brush-holder is in its raised position, it maintains these contact lates in contact'making position, againstt e resiliency of the plate 129.

When the engine has become self operating, the main operating member 69* will be released and will return to itsn'ormal position in the usualmanner, and consequently 1 cause a return-movement ofithe, rod 67 inthe direction of the arrow 85 shown in Fig. 9. This return movement of the rod 67 "will move the gearing 91 so as to disconnect the engine from the motor andwill also cause the release of the armature 97 of the cutout relay, by moving thearrn 12,0 andv it will'furthermore actuate the brush-holder 124 so as to break the motorcircnit and to close the contact plates129 and 128, t'o'les- .tablish the generator circuit.

While the form of niecl nmism herein shown and described constitutes a preferred form of embodiment-0t, the present invention,-it is to be understood-that otherforms might beeadopte all coming within the scope of the claims'which follow.

What we claim is as follows; 7

1. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and avstarting device therefor, comprising an electriciantor; mechanical connections operable to connect said motor and engine together for starting purposes;- a source of current; circuit connections between said source of; ourrentand the motor to operate therefor, included injfsaid jcircuit connec- 1 for normally mamtaimng one of said brushes position to open said motor-starting circuitconnections;

and aconimon operating member operable on said mechanical connections to connect the engine and motor together and also operable on said retaining means to permit said brush to closethe motor-starting connections.

2. In an engine starting device, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, comprising a motor; means adapted to mechanically connect said motor and engine together for starting purposes; a source of current; circuit connections between said source of current and the motor; a plurality of commutator brushes for said motor and included in said electric connections; and controlling means normally maintaining one of said brushes in position to open the circuit connections at times other than during the starting operation, said means having provisions for mechanical connect'ons to connect the electric motor and engine together, and moving said commutator brush to close the circuit for starting purposes, said mechanical connections being accomplished previous to the completion of the movement of the brush to close the circuit connections.

3. In a starting device for engines, the combination with a motor and an engine; shiftable mechanical connections between said engine and motor; a storage battery the latter for a saidteng n n m o starting; a plurality of commutator brushes conn c d wi h A brush included in. said circuit connections,

shifting the be electrically connected with a commutator brush in said onadapted to said motor cuit connections, but normally maintained shlftable mechanical connections between saidiengine and mot r; a storage battery having electrical connections adapted to be connected with said motor; a commutator vbrushiincluded n sa d circuit connections, but normally-maintained n position to break one oftsaid connections; and a common operating member, capable of an initial movement to close one of said circuit connections to efl'ect the operation of the motor at a slow initialspeed, and capable of a second movement to shift the mechanical connections to connect the motor and engine.

5. In a'starting device for engines, the

combination with a motor and an engine;

hiftable echani a on s qns b t s r g b y dap ed to be said motor; a commutator h v ge ectr a on ons.

but normally maintained in position to break one of said connections; and a cornrnon operating member capable ot an initial movement to close one of said circuit connections to effect the operation of the motor at a slow initial speed, andof a further movement to shift the mechanical connections to connect themotor and engine, and capable of a final movement to release said brush from its norrnal position to permit the same to close the m t r ci u 6. In a starting device for engines, the

combination witha motor and an engine; shiftable mechan cal connections between said engine and motor ;"a storage battery having electrical connections adapted tobe connected with said motor; a commutator brush incl ded in'said circuit connections, but normal lymaintained in position to break one ofisaid connections; and a common oper ating Inemb r capable of an initial tnovement to close one of said circuit connections to effect the operation of the motor at a slow initial speed and of a second movement to shift the mechanical connections toconnect the motor and engine and capable of a final movement to release said brush from its ino erative position to permit the same to 0 use the'motor circuit; and resilient means adapted to assistsaid brush 'in the closing v of said motor circuitl device therefor, including an electric motor; mechanical connections operable to connect said motor and engine together for starting purposes; a source of current having circuit connections with said motor; commutator brushes included in said circuit connections; and a common operating member for causing movement of one of said brushes to make and break said circuit connections and for actuating the mechanical connections to connect and disconnect the motor and engine.

8. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, including an electric motor; mechanical connections operable to connect said motor and engine together for starting purposes; a source of current having circuit connections with said motor for starting; motor commutator brushes included in said circuit connections, one of said brushes being normally positioned to break said starting circuit; a common operating member having connections for causing one of said brushes to dro into engagement with the armature of said motor to close the starting circuit, and also having connections for concomitantly operating said mechanical connections to connect the motor and engine; and resilient means for restoring said common operating means to normal position with said brush restored to normal circuitbreaking position and said mechanical connections restored to disconnected position.

9. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, including an electric motor; a source of current having circuit connections with said motor; commutator brushes included in said circuit connections, one of said brushes being movable into two operative positions; and means controlled by the position of said movable brush for permitting the closing of certain of said circuit connections to effect an initial movement preliminary to starting, when said brush is in one position, and to cause the subsequent cranking operation when said brush is in its other position.

10. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor, including an electric motor; mechanical connections shiftable to connect the engine and the motor together; a source of current having circuit connections with said motor; a commutator brush arm normally ositioned to form a part'of one of said circuit connections, and adapted to break another of said connections; and

means for closing the circuit which normally includes said commutator brush arm, whereby to impart an initial movement to the motor.

11. In a starting device for engines, the combination with an engine and a starting device therefor; a source of current; high resistance circuit connections between the source of current and electric motor; a commutator brush arm normally included in the high resistance circuit connections; and means for closing the high resistance circuit connections to impart an initial movement to the electric motor; and manipulative means for causing movement of said;

brush arm to break the high resistance circuit.

In testimony whereof we aflix our signatures in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES F. KETTERING. WILLIAM A. CHRYST.

Witnesses: Id 5 copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

